4 Grilling Recipes You'll Want to Try This Summer

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Summer is (un)officially here! You can take your rules about when summer "starts" and when I'm allowed to wear white pants somewhere else. I'll be busy firing up the grill and savoring these delicious recipes on the patio with friends.

Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges With Zesty Dipping Sauce

Floating Kitchen

Floating Kitchen

Nix the Plain Jane fries that everyone else serves, and forget trying to use your oven on an 80-degree day. These grilled sweet potatoes are the answer to your picnic wishes and they're nutritional powerhouses, too. Plus, the homemade dipping sauce sounds better than any store-bought variety you could find.

Steak Fajitas

Apples & Sparkle

Apples & Sparkle

Everything about this meal is grilled! The steak and colored peppers—even the tortillas all get that smoky char on them for the perfect blackened flavor. I love the use of red and orange peppers for their boost of vitamins C and A. You can also try this with chicken for a leaner protein option that cuts down the fat.

Asian-Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers

This Silly Girl’s Life

This Silly Girl’s Life

These skewers pass right over the typical garlic and lemon shrimp and jump into a sweet and tangy Asian-inspired sauce that only gets better when grilled. You can prep the low-cal skewers (don't forget to soak in water if using wood) ahead of time and pop them on the grill when guests arrive—they only take a few minutes!

Grilled Stone Fruit + Almond Mascarpone Dip

Dessert for Two

Dessert for Two

Yes, you can grill fruit. Yes, you've been missing out if you haven't already tried it. Peaches, plums, apricots and pluots (a plum-apricot hybrid) were quickly put on a hot grill and served with a dollop of what sounds like fluffy heaven. Caramelized almonds are mixed with mascarpone, almond extract and honey to create a sweet dip for this healthy dessert.

14 Warm-Weather Party Appetizers

Salmon Tartare in Baked Wonton Cups

Great for a hot summer day, this cool starter is refreshing and delicious. Fresh, healthy ingredients make this appetizer a great alternative to other heavier dishes. Image courtesy of Spoon Fork Bacon

Eggplant Chips With Cilantro Pesto

Chips and dip is always a party favorite, but for a variation on the classic standby, give eggplant chips a try. The beautiful color and sweet taste pair perfectly with fresh cilantro pesto. Image courtesy of What's Gaby Cooking

Bacon and Ranch Cajun Baby Cheeseburgers

Every good barbeque requires the perfect cheeseburger, and these flavorful baby cheeseburgers are perfect outdoor party fare. Wouldn't it be nice to enjoy a delicious burger and still have room for dessert (and everything else)? Image courtesy of Picky Palate

Roasted Pepper and Mozzarella Bites

It seems like such a pity to not take advantage of nature's bounty during the warmer months. Garden-fresh bell peppers are a must. This bell pepper and mozzarella combination could not get any easier, but sometimes the simplest recipes are also the most delightful. Image courtesy of The Italian Dish

Avocado Fries

Is it even possible to mess up an avocado? Plain, on a sandwich, in guacamole — however they are prepared, avocados simply can't help but be delicious. In fact, these avocado fries might just be too much of a good thing. Image courtesy of A Cozy Kitchen

Whole Grain Roasted Garlic Bruschetta

Not many foods exist that are better than really delectable bread. So instead of looking for alternatives, why not simply add variety? This hearty bruschetta should do just the trick. Image courtesy of Picky Palate

Best Potato Salad

With so many different potato salad recipes to choose from, how can you be sure you have the best potato salad? Though taste buds are subjective, it is hard to imagine anything more delicious than just the right mix of pickles, dill and the pièce de résistance: whole-grain mustard. Image courtesy of Pink Basil

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Hummus

Though the fresh chickpeas will need to be soaked overnight, the wait is the most difficult aspect of this dish. But take heart in the fact that soon you will be enjoying the creamy delight that only entirely homemade hummus can provide. Image courtesy of Sassy Radish

Fresh Corn and Avocado Salsa

When nature supplies such exquisite ingredients, it doesn't take much to make the perfect summer salsa. Fresh corn, tomatoes, onions and avocados come together for a mouthwatering result: the perfect party dish. Image courtesy of A Cozy Kitchen

Smoked Gouda and Herb Puffs

These flaky puffs are an ideal finger food, perfect for a party or even just a regular day at home. Cheesy and delicious, these yummy little morsels make a fantastic appetizer. Image courtesy of Spoon Fork Bacon

Amazing Deviled Eggs

Though deviled eggs are not strictly a warm-weather menu item, they certainly are party-pleasers (any time of the year!). To add an extra kick to the popular classic, sprinkle the finished product with smoked paprika. Image courtesy of Pink Basil